The Best Spots For A Picnic In NSW

Gather outdoors at these top places for a picnic around Sydney and NSW.

Make the most of the sunshine by gathering on a patch of grass with family and friends. From pretty gardens with ponds to parks with playgrounds and waterfront sites, here are some of the most perfect spots for a picnic around NSW. We’ve also included inspiration for picking up provisions.

SYDNEY

Centennial Parklands

Where: Moore Park, Sydney

Why: There is more than 189 hectares of open space to choose from at Centennial Gardens, which includes wetlands, sporting fields, formal gardens and wide avenues looped with lanes for cycling and rollerblading. Make the most of your elongated evenings in this large urban park which is a haven for residents of the Eastern Suburbs.

There are plenty of places to picnic in Centennial Parklands.

Provisions: Fine food fanatics should pop into Gourmet Life in Darling Point to pick up everything from caviar and camel milk chocolate to fresh truffles, olives, pickles and prosciutto. You can order a sweet or savoury hamper from Gourmet Life with a French or Italian accent and request a bottle of Aziza’s Rose by Harkham Wines be included. The brand new Aussie drinks brand Gin O’Clock would also be a great accompaniment to any picnic. The tasty tipple comes in three flavours: Pink Gin & Soda, Sugar Free G&T and Timeless G&T, and are available for purchase in handy, pre-mixed cans at Dan Murphys and BWS.

Gin O'Clock pink gin & soda — Gin O’Clock Pink Gin & Soda packs make a great picnic accompaniment.

Alternatively, Fromage Sydney will deliver a cheese and deli box right to the centre of your picnic rug. Paired wines are available on request.

Como Pleasure Grounds

Where: 2A Cremona Road, Como, Sydney

Why: This outdoor park was built on a rocky peninsula near to the railway line in 1886 to encourage Sydneysiders to get out and about. The park has since evolved to include a playground, picnic tables and BBQs as well as a bike track and path that loops around the leafy promontory. Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views over the Georges River and surrounding bushland and features tidal baths, too.

Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views of Shire bushland.

Provisions: Head to Rudi’s in Gymea to pick up some artisan-style gourmet sausages, to the nearby Grate Cheese Co. for a Pot Luck Cheese Box, and to Thoroughbread bakery for some fresh paninis and Pepe Saya salted butter.

Alternatively, take your picnic game up a notch and order a platter from Sydney’s game-changing fresh seafood delivery service FishMe! You can choose from a range of ready-to-eat seafood platters, sashimi platters, oysters, fish, octopus and squid – and it’s guaranteed to be fresh as they source all their seafood direct from the seafood suppliers.

FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter Sydney — FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter is a game-changing seafood delivery service in Sydney.

Bradfield Park

Where: Kirribilli, Sydney

Why: Wendy’s Secret Garden is not such a secret these days. And while the Lavender Bay park is always worth a look-in, we highly recommend nearby Bradfield Park, in Kirribilli, which is bracketed by the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The park slopes down to the Sydney foreshore and loops around to Luna Park so there’s eye candy all around.

Eat among the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Provisions: After claiming a patch of prime waterfront picnic space, call in a delivery from Steve Costi’s Seafood Online Store , which could include lobsters, prawns and oysters or ready-made meals such as seafood lasagne and fish pie. The Botanist Kirribilli is also set to reopen selling picnic packs comprising Australian native olives, crackers, apricot marmalade, poached pears, semi-dried Roma tomatoes, and a selection of chocolate strawberries and marmalade.

Davidson Park

Where: Forestville, Sydney

Why: Stake out a section of grass on the banks of the beautiful Middle Harbour Creek in Forestville. The pretty harbourside park is popular with families playing rounds of French cricket or Frisbee, and to those dedicated to exploring Sydney’s waterways by canoe or kayak as there’s a boat ramp near the picnic grounds

Provisions: Head to Chargrill Charlies to pick up provisions for an old-school feast of charcoal chicken and grab-and-go salads and onto Ganache Patisserie to procure a loaf of pain Parisien and some almond croissants. You can also order ahead from Aplenty , a Sydney-based catering company that curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

Aplenty curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

SOUTH COAST NSW

Rotary Park, Narooma

Where: Riverside Drive, Narooma, NSW South Coast

Why: You can leave your picnic hamper at home, outsource the catering and have it delivered to this pretty park, located on the banks of Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. The park is a five-minute walk to the much-Instagrammed Australia Rock, a favourite spot to watch seals basking on the rocks below and has a shaded picnic area with tables.

Australia Rock captures a spectacular ocean view.

Provisions: Book an e-bike with Southbound Escapes and zip around Narooma to pick up fish and chips from The Inlet, cocktails from the Quarterdeck (both now owned by hotelier Justin Hemmes). Southbound Escapes can also curate a posh pop-up picnic for you replete with a grazing platter from Mr Bold Catering .

Cupitt’s Estate

Where: 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla, NSW South Coast

Why: Unfurl your red-checked picnic blanket and lay it out on the manicured lawns around Cupitt’s Estate , a working farm that includes a brewery, fromagerie and winery on site. Enjoy your al fresco feast on the grass and then wander around the sprawling kitchen garden where the farm-to-fork philosophy will become part of your love-in at Cupitt’s.

Provisions: Visit the cellar door at Cupitt’s Estate to pick up a bottle of barbera; Cupitt’s Estate Craft Brewery for a few cans of Mollymook Pale Ale and Uludulla IPA, and the Cupitt’s Estate Fromagerie for a round of washed-rind cheese from the fromagerie.

Cupitts Estate picnic — Pick up some picnic fodder from the estate.

CENTRAL COAST NSW

Killcare and Hardys Bay, Central Coast NSW

Where: Stretch your legs along the Bouddi Coastal Walk before finding a spot to sit and settle in for sunset in a peaceful pocket at Hardys Bay. You will find a BBQ picnic area at the north end of the beach, which backs onto Bouddi National Park.

Provisions: Although it feels compulsory to want to improve your picnic game, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Keep it simple by stocking your hamper full of picnic provisions such as bread, preserves, cured meats and tarts from The Fat Goose at Killcare. You can also pick up a Spanish salami pizza from The View Pizza or Peking duck spring rolls and crispy fried eggplant to go from The Lucky Bee .

Pokolbin Hill Picnic Park

Where: Cnr Debeyers Rd and McDonalds Rd, Hunter Valley

Why: Curated picnics have taken off around the world. And it’s not all about the eating and drinking. Pokolbin Picnic Co. also find beautiful locations for lazy picnics that are predicted to become a low-fi highlight on all our social calendars. A few semillons in, while you’re surrounded by vineyards, you may well be convinced to move to the country.

Provisions: Pokolbin Picnic Co. brings a bit of life to picnic parties around Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley with beautiful blankets, pillows, baskets that will level up your picnic. The fabulous picnic hampers include platters of fruit and cheese and wine as well as local olives, salads, dried fruit and sweet treats such as brownies.

Fabulous picnic hampers from Polkobin Picnic Co.

NORTH COAST NSW

Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head

Where: Northern end of Pacific Parade

Why: This tea-tree stained dunal lake is set on 118 hectares of coastal land minutes from national parks and rainforests near Lennox Head. The freshwater lagoon is hugely popular with locals who like to swan around on their inflatable flamingos, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks in the mineral-rich waters of the lake, known for its rejuvenating properties.

Provisions: Order some seeded croissants from Suffolk Bakery , an antipasto board from Quattro Beachfront Italian in Lennox Head, or a Lavish Lunch Hamper from Harvest NewryBar.

Clarrie Hall Dam, The Tweed

Where: Upstream from Uki

Why: Clarrie Hall Dam is located in mountainous terrain on Doon Doon Creek, a tributary of the Tweed River, and upstream from the charming hinterland village of Uki. The recreational area is one you will want to explore in full: while fishos flock here in the hope they will hook a decent-sized bass to cook on one of the electric barbecues, the park is also a draw for birdwatchers and paddleboarders. The peaceful spot, which boasts beautiful views back over Wollumbin/Mt Warning, has picnic tables and toilets, too.

Provisions: If you want a DIY hamper: pick up some pies from Uki Pies ; fill the thermos with black coffee from Bastion Lane Espresso ; labna from Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses ; and sourdough from Wollumbin Street Bakery . Blue Ginger Picnics on Water has also partnered with Tweed Escapes to pull together a picnic on water where visitors can cruise along the Tweed to get a taste of the NSW North Coast.

A delicious spread of 100% local and seasonal produce.

CENTRAL WEST NSW

Orange, NSW

Where: Secret garden in an orchard

Why: Have you been putting off a marriage proposal? Call Country Food Trails to come to the rescue and tailor a Secret Garden Picnic set in beautiful, exclusive local gardens in Orange, in the NSW’s Central West. A proposal picnic is a particularly lovely notion in the springtime during cherry blossom season.

Provisions: A vintage Moroccan rug, napkins and cutlery, plates, glasses, cushions and catering are all included in a Proposal Picnic curated by Country Food Trails . You can also sway your sweetheart to accept your proposal by booking a bespoke tour with Crooked Compass and arriving to Orange by private plane. Plan B is a Printhie Picnic set amid the vines embroidered onto the earth around Printhie Wines’ estate.

Family-owned Printhie Wines provides the perfect picnic backdrop.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

The best spots for a picnic around NSW